Editors note: A news release from the Las Cruces Police listed the incorrect date for the prescription drug take-back day. This story has been updated to reflect April 29 as the correct date.

LAS CRUCES — Las Cruces police along with the Unified Prevention “Up!” Coalition, the New Mexico National Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration will conduct a prescription drug take-back event April 29 at three locations in the city.

The prescription drug take-back day will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 29 at:

Elks Lodge, 3000 Elks Drive

Walmart Supercenter, 3331 Rinconada Blvd.

Walmart Neighborhood Market, 150 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd.

Area residents are encouraged to drop off expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs — in pills or patch forms — during the event. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles during the take-back event. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

In addition to the take-back event partner agencies will have prescription drug handbooks for parents, and educational material on safeguarding prescription medications and proper methods of disposal of medications.

The take-back initiative addresses vital public safety and health issues. Unused and outdated medications are susceptible to misuse or abuses, and can result in accidental poisonings and overdoses. Traditional methods of disposing unused medications, such as throwing them in the trash or flushing them down a toilet, can pose safety and health hazards.